Dayboats in Asia: Chapter Three

To read Chapter One of Dayboats in Asia, click here

To read Chapter Two of Dayboats in Asia, click here

AXOPAR’S AFFORDABLE ADVENTURE

An Axopar 38 Cross Cabin in a vinyl ‘camo wrap’

Axopar, which bills itself as ‘The Adventure Company’, has spearheaded the global popularity of Nordic-styled adventure boats. Using twin-stepped hulls, the brand prides itself on producing high-performance driver’s boats, focused on speed, handling and seakeeping, while offering among the most modular and option-packed models in their sector.

“Axopar created the crossover segment: outboard-powered boats that combine the driving dynamics of a performance RIB with the comfort and usability of a cabin cruiser,” says Evita Sham, Axopar Brand Manager at Simpson Marine, the brand’s dealer in Hong Kong, mainland China and Indonesia since 2024.

An Axopar 38 Cross Cabin in a vinyl ‘camo wrap’

Since debuting the Axopar 28 in 2014, the Finnish brand with production facilities in Poland has built over 7,500 boats, with the 28 and 37 lines accounting for most production to date. These iconic models have been succeeded by the all-new 29 in 2025 and all-new 38 this year, with the enclosed Cross Cabin version that debuted at Boot to be joined by open Sun Top and Cross Top editions.

The Axopar 29 and 37 have so far been the brand’s most popular models for clients of Simpson Marine, which has also delivered units from the 22, 25 and flagship 45 series across multiple markets. The company is confident the 38 will attract buyers in the region.

“The Axopar 38 Cross Cabin has significantly improved interior space and comfort, with a larger wheelhouse and bright forward cabin that supports overnighting and social use,” Sham says. “The modular layout and adaptable living areas mean owners can tailor spaces from seating to dining to sleeping.”

Axopar 38 Cross Cabin

Axopar also focuses on affordability, with owners able to configure their boats from an enormous option list. Each series is available in multiple editions and with several layout options for the foredeck and aft deck including the option of a second cabin.

“This production efficiency keeps pricing competitive while offering tailored functionality. Axopar positions itself around an active, outdoor boating lifestyle rather than conventional luxury, which resonates strongly with younger and first-time boat owners entering the premium segment,” Sham says.

Axopar 38 Cross Cabin

“The boats are also robust and safe; that’s a common feedback from our owners. In short, Axopar delivers practical performance boating with a modern, experience-driven ethos that differentiates it from both traditional cabin cruisers and pure dayboats.”

Axopar’s other dealers in the region include Derani Yachts (Thailand, Malaysia), Europa Yachts (Philippines), Amal Yachting (Taiwan) and Okazaki (Japan).

SAXDOR’S RAPID SUCCESS

In contrast, DCH Marine has managed Saxdor’s representation across Asia-Pacific since 2024, with the regional dealership stating that it has taken delivery of over 120 of the Finnish brand’s boats in the past two years.

Saxdor models including the 400 GTC (foreground)

“We’ve seen very strong retail momentum across the entire range and in most major Asian markets, with the 320 GTO and the 400 GTO/GTC models proving particularly successful,” says Ben Cadman, DCH Marine’s Saxdor representative.

Headquartered in Helsinki, Saxdor only debuted its first model in 2020 but has quickly soared in popularity, with its annual revenue rising 65 per cent to €180 million in 2025.

Acquired by Malibu Boats this year, Saxdor has almost 1,000 employees and produces about 700 boats a year at its facilities in Poland (Elk) and Finland (Larsmo). Saxdor produces multiple editions of each of its model lines, which now includes the flagship 460, debuting in its GTC edition at Boot 2026.

Saxdor 460 GTC

“We’ve seen plenty of existing clients reach out about Saxdor’s new models and we’ve taken deposits from Saxdor 400 owners for 460s due to arrive at the end of the year,” Cadman says. “It’s a natural step up for those who love the brand and want a bigger boat for longer trips or larger groups.”

Founded by designer Sakari Mattila, who founded or co-founded multiple shipyards including Aquator, Paragon, XO Boats and Axopar, Saxdor embodies the Nordic styling and performance associated with such brands but with added emphasis on drop-down balconies and flexible, indoor-outdoor social spaces.

“With Saxdor, you’re getting great performance and sharp design, but without jumping into the price bracket of some other brands. For a lot of our clients, Saxdor is about getting the most fun, functionality and style for your money. The fold-down terraces are a perfect example – hit a button and suddenly you’ve turned the boat into your own little beach club, with loads of extra space to hang out, swim and socialise,” Cadman says.

Saxdor 460 GTC

“The lifestyle around Saxdor is relaxed, stylish and a bit edgy: quick blasts out to the islands, tying up with friends, watersports in the afternoon and sundowners on the way home. It feels fresh and modern. That mix of clever features, strong value and a fun, social vibe connects with owners in Asia.”

GROWING SPACE FOR DAYBOATS

Joly, who heads Galeon at Asiamarine, agrees that the fast and fun approach to boating also holds great appeal in Asia, where the luxury yachting market has traditionally been associated with flybridge motoryachts.

“Our GTO/GTI buyers want a boat that’s fast enough to make the day easier and comfortable at anchor for lunch, swim and sunset. These boats allow owners to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle without ‘big yacht’ hassle,” he says.

Galeon 435 GTO

“They still offer proper overnight facilities with cabins, full heads and air-conditioning, so owners can do quick island weekends without moving up to a flybridge. They’re also less intimidating than a 50-60ft flybridge – easier to dock, easier to run, easier to staff.”

Araya, owner of Thailand’s newest DB/37, echoes such sentiments. “From what we understand about Thailand and many coastal destinations in Asia, the DB/37 fits the market because it matches how modern guests want to travel: fast enough to explore more yet refined enough to feel like a true yacht experience.

“The region is built for multi-stop day cruising. Whether it’s beaches, lagoons, bays for snorkelling or sunset viewpoints, guests typically want more than one destination in a day. A high-performance dayboat allows people to spend more time at destinations and less time in transit.”
axopar.com
saxdoryachts.com
simpsonmarine.com
dch-marine.com